The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for an offseason filled with uncertainty and transformation, particularly at the running back position. It looks like we might be witnessing the end of an era for Alvin Kamara, whose time as the primary ball-carrier appears to be drawing to a close.
Kamara had been putting together an impressive campaign, racking up 950 rushing yards and finding the end zone six times, all while contributing 543 yards through the air with two receiving touchdowns. However, as he approaches the milestone of 30 years old and contends with a lingering groin injury that could sideline him for the remainder of the season, the signs suggest that his production may start to taper off.
Enter Kendre Miller, a promising talent poised to take over the reins in New Orleans. While Kamara’s contributions have been invaluable, it’s time for the Saints to shift their focus to the future, and Miller appears ready to step into the spotlight as the team’s lead back.
Coming out of college, Miller showcased a remarkable blend of vision and balance, adept at navigating through contact and delivering those crucial extra yards by keeping his legs churning. Standing at 5’11″ and weighing 215 pounds, he possesses the physical traits necessary to be a workhorse in the backfield. His versatility as both a traditional runner and a capable receiver makes him an ideal candidate to fill Kamara’s shoes.
Though Miller has had limited opportunities to showcase his talents behind Kamara, his stats speak volumes. He has managed to amass 304 yards on 80 carries, averaging a solid yards per attempt, while also grabbing 15 receptions for 150 yards. In college, he finished with an eye-popping 2,414 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on 361 attempts, coupled with 229 receiving yards on 29 receptions.
With the potential for a heavier workload, Miller has a golden opportunity to prove to the Saints that he is more than capable of leading the backfield moving forward. This transition could offer significant benefits, especially if the team brings in a new quarterback, as a stable run game would provide much-needed support. While Kamara still has the capability to make impactful plays as he transitions into a different role, it’s clear that Kendre Miller should be positioned as the starter for the Saints as they look ahead to 2025 and beyond.
